Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, commented: “Today’s new EU assistance package will directly benefit citizens in partner countries by creating jobs, stimulating growth and improving living standards, including among the most vulnerable. This EU support is crucial given the various challenges our Southern Mediterranean partners are currently facing".

Out of this package, €237 million will support private sector development in all four countries. This includes improving the global business environment and promoting economic diversification. The funding will also assist partner countries in creating job opportunities, conducting vocational training reforms and boosting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

€100 million will contribute to improving citizens’ living conditions, including through poverty reduction initiatives and better access to basic health services. Moreover, it will address effects of climate change through the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency actions.

The remaining €28.5 million will support democratic reforms in Algeria, Lebanon and Morocco. It will notably target the promotion and strengthening of civil society, citizens’ participation in public local life and support judiciary and penitentiary system reforms.

Background:

These newly-adopted programmes will benefit the following Southern Mediterranean countries:

Algeria: €25 million will enhance the global business environment of private companies, notably in the industrial sector. This funding will also improve citizen's participation, in particular young people and women, in local governance activities.

Jordan: Support programmes totalling €135 million will target renewable energy and energy efficiency reforms, thus contributing to poverty reduction and fight against climate change. Furthermore these actions will foster job creation through support to the private sector – a key element for the country’s stability at times of multiple challenges.

Lebanon: Through this €25 million assistance, the EU will support Lebanon's effort to make micro, small and medium-sized enterprises more competitive. It will also aim at improving the capacity of civil society organisations to monitor and promote reforms and public accountability. This support will also provide technical assistance to the government in tackling current challenges, including the Syrian refugees’ crisis.

Morocco: EU support worth €180.5 million will boost the country’s competitiveness and increase economic growth through diversification and vocational training reforms. It will also assist the country in its democratic reforms of the judiciary and penitentiary systems. This funding will further benefit the citizens through reforms allowing for fair access to better quality basic health services.